Rider: Bill Weir; 60 years old, travel writer, Member UNITED STATES Email

Summary: A loop from San Francisco south along the spectacular California coast, inland to Arizona's Grand Canyon, north to Utah's Escalante canyons, west across the Great Basin of Utah and Nevada, then a swing in northern California.; Self-Planned

How did ACA Help? I used the ACA maps for the California Coast and the Southern Tier to Arizona, where I did my own thing, then I followed the Western Express from Utah to California.

Health Issues: None, but I was very careful with hydration in the extreme heat of the deserts in southern California and western Arizona.

Motivation: I'm very fond of the American Southwest, and wished to experience it on a bicycle.

Most Challenging Aspect:High costs of services, especially on the California coast, but I managed OK using state parks and Warm Showers hosts.

Favorite Experience: Riding out to viewpoints on the Grand Canyon's North Rim.